Mary

August 30

Luke 2:8-20

Shepherds in the field

At last the promised Savior had come. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, just as the prophets had said (see Isaiah 7:14 - Matthew 1:22-23, Micah 5:2).

There were shepherds spending the night in the fields nearby, taking care of their flocks. Suddenly, an angel appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone all around. The shepherds were terrified, but the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. You will find the baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”

Then other angels appeared all around, singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those with whom He is pleased.”

When the angels had gone back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in a manger. When the shepherds saw Him, they told everyone what had happened.

Why did the angels appear only to the shepherds?

Do you think the angels appeared to the shepherds because they were the only ones still awake, or was it because the angels didn’t want to cause a disturbance in the peaceful town?

We can’t say for sure why the shepherds were chosen to hear the good news about Jesus; but it may have something to do with the fact that they were shepherds.

Jesus came to earth to be a Shepherd; to save His sheep from the prowling lion (the devil), and to lead us in green pastures of peace and goodness. He came as the Chief shepherd—the Shepherd of all shepherds, and the One who would give His life for His sheep.

Verse for today

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:4